By Carlos Miller
A Travis County Constable used his Taser gun on a 72-year-old great grandmother after she refused to sign a speeding ticket.
The cop claims he was forced to defend himself because Kathryn Winkfein “got violent” in her refusal to sign the ticket.
The cop said she also used profanity, making him fear for his life.
Winkfein told an Austin news crew in the above video that the entire report was based on lies.
A dashboard camera which recorded the incident will eventually tell the truth. It is being reviewed by the county attorney.
Regardless of what the video shows, there is no law against refusing to sign a speeding ticket in Texas, according to Civil Liberties Examiner J.D. Tuccille.
And it is highly questionable why a deputy would resort to using a Taser on an elderly woman who has never been arrested, especially considering there is a higher risk of killing an elderly person.
Last year, Jared Massey of Utah won a $40,000 settlement after the following video emerged showing how he was Tasered for refusing to sign a speeding ticket.
Popularity: 1% [?]
98 responses so far ↓
1 ALL BE DAMNED // Jun 2, 2009 at 7:28 PM
Tasing a 72 year old woman COME ON YOU DIPP SHIT why not take her meds and her glasses while your at it dont foget the last $3 in her wallet
2 Simon Jester // Jun 2, 2009 at 7:33 PM
Obey. Or be punished.
3 Pinandpuller // Jun 2, 2009 at 11:01 PM
Is there some kind of collusion between law firms and the taser manufacturers? It’s win-win for both parties.
This so called cop saw “Next Friday” too many times-and wasn’t smart enought to slap his own grandma.
4 Fred // Jun 3, 2009 at 12:28 AM
What is this deputy’s name? Why is this cowardly liar (paid with our tax dollars) privileged to be anonymous?
5 Michaelk42 // Jun 3, 2009 at 12:32 AM
Thugs like this that feel “threatened” by elderly women have no business being police officers.
6 V // Jun 3, 2009 at 4:01 AM
Simon J apparently likes being placed into submission in various ways and only by the same sex as himself haha… idiotic mediocre loser!
Secondly, F that damn freaking cop for tasering an elderly lady like that! I mean what the F is so dangerous about an old short lady? I understand if it was a younger, taller, and stronger women like Chyna, but I bet that old lady could barely hit harder than a ten year old.
Seriously, most cops I’ve ever met are bunches of douches and pussies, period They always have to front their ego and always like to display a show of force. I say fire that prick and let him get tazer by the old lady; eye for a wrong eye justice baby! HAHA!
7 NYCPhotorights // Jun 3, 2009 at 7:34 AM
If any item had such a record of abuse amongst private citizens you can bet there would be those in the legislature calling for it to be banned. Two or three people die from a particular drug and the FDA pulls it from the market. Why the double standard? A taser is a deadly weapon that lends itself to overuse and abuse by its holder – ban them now!
8 Amanda Moore // Jun 3, 2009 at 8:09 AM
I guess if he hadn’t had the taser, She would’ve overpowered him and kicked his behind. Hmmm….. Funny but somehow, that just sounds a bit odd. I really thought that using more force than necessary was against the law. Hmmmm… Oh wait, he is the law…. Or is he??
9 John Davis // Jun 3, 2009 at 8:42 AM
Wow, now HERE is the kind of PUNK cop I just LOVE to hear about on the news that gets clipped in the line of duty!
RT
http://www.real-anonymity.pro.tc
10 scott // Jun 3, 2009 at 9:09 AM
I wonder if when he and his buddies use profanity with each other, he gets scared.
Normally i am 100% percent behind law enforcement, and would rather they be safe than sorry — but this reeks of stupidity and bullshit.
OH NOS — I used profanity, I must be violent and scary!
11 Agile Cyborg // Jun 3, 2009 at 9:32 AM
It’s all about paranoia and force protection anymore.
With the gap between badged brotherhoods and local communities precariously widening the police are being educated into divisive bunkers.
Police are afforded far too much power for the Illusions of safety.
They are being trained by beasts of burden more geared for war and battle in rugged countries.
Officers need to receive training from ‘intelligent’ men and women who understand that police are Common Folks WITHIN the community HIRED by the community to lend assistance and protection and to apply common sense in all situations.
You are NOT a Special Forces Unit operating against what you perceive is an asymmetric and evil local citizenry out to assassinate every last one of you.
Cops need to grow up and be more accountable of their actions.
And, THIS cop, in particular, should be cleaning windows or working at McDonald’s. Get rid of him before he ends up killing an innocent.
12 Marie // Jun 3, 2009 at 10:25 AM
We civilians need video recording systems in our cars. Then we’ll at least have a record of how the cops lie and abuse their power, and that will help in court after the bastards assault us.
And to think: the cops want our respect. What a joke.
13 xdamousex // Jun 3, 2009 at 10:27 AM
The deputy said she also used profanity, making him fear for his life.
I know that whenever someone curses at me, I have the right to assault that person, so I think officers should have the same rights as civilians.
Wait, I don’t have that right?
14 crite // Jun 3, 2009 at 10:51 AM
Travis County Constables are not Travis County Sheriffs.
15 bob // Jun 3, 2009 at 10:51 AM
Dashboard cams are truly there to “Protect and Serve.”
16 Simon Jester // Jun 3, 2009 at 11:14 AM
“Simon J apparently likes being placed into submission in various ways and only by the same sex as himself haha… idiotic mediocre loser!”
You go ahead and try that. You’ll be able to write a book about the levels of regret that decision brings you.
17 Krakow Apartments // Jun 3, 2009 at 11:17 AM
Sorry to all the Americans out there but I have thought that your police are too officious for a long time. An armed police officer is hardly in danger from an old lady, and if he is then he should go back to police school.
18 Kol. Klink // Jun 3, 2009 at 11:51 AM
The US has become a gigantic open-air PRISON STATE.
Obey, comrade inmates.
19 Jack // Jun 3, 2009 at 12:00 PM
This “officer” is just a power tripper. He’s plainly unreasonable, and was intent on raising the stakes and creating an unnecessary confrontation.
Citizens are fed up with cops intent on bullying them, and this is exactly what the cop was doing.
NO police officer has the right to use force to back up unreasonable behavior in his own part. We cannot afford to feel that we live in a police state, where police can be unreasonable and then use force to back up their unreasonable requests.
This cop must be fired from his job. He should not be allowed to have weapons in his hands – even Tasers.
Force should be used by cops as a LAST RESORT. This taser usage was in no way justified. Had the cop been a reasonable man, this would never have escalated in the way it did.
20 alen // Jun 3, 2009 at 12:09 PM
My brother once refused to sign a ticket in Texas and all hell broke lose. EVERY cop turns into a raging c**ksucker when someone refuses to sign a ticket. Try it in Texas a see what happens. There are no nice cops who concede to anything. You either do what they say, whether legal, or suffer the bullies’ wrath.
21 Rob Molecule // Jun 3, 2009 at 12:35 PM
I hate to sound ignorant, as I’ve never received a traffic ticket, but is it normal to have to sign a ticket in most states? What are you signing and does it limit your rights? Maybe it’s standard procedure? But if someone has never been asked to sign one before, would it be that weird to be apprehensive about signing it?
22 Doug // Jun 3, 2009 at 12:53 PM
Cowards.
23 Chav3z // Jun 3, 2009 at 1:09 PM
I wish someone would just run over these troopers, nothing better than some pavement bacon
24 A. Magnus // Jun 3, 2009 at 1:10 PM
When police who needlessly abuse the weak get beat down with blanket parties thrown by pissed citizens, then you will see these abuses stop. The justice system regularly shields the wrongdoing of its enforcers, so it’s up to the people to enforce Hammurabi’s code of ‘An eye for an eye.’
25 NYCPhotorights // Jun 3, 2009 at 1:10 PM
I don’t know about other states but I did receive a couple of tickets in NY and was never asked to sign. They were for seat belt violations as opposed to a moving violation if that makes a difference…
26 Nat_Turner // Jun 3, 2009 at 1:30 PM
The coward should be shot in the mouth, for public safety. When will people realize that government is not GOD and we can defend ourselves against tyranny?
27 Bill // Jun 3, 2009 at 1:44 PM
That cop is a hazard and danger to the force and to public safety. He needs to lose weight; he is, in affect, a “dull knife” and dull knives are very treacherous.
This fatso (dull knife) needs his badge and gun revoked.
28 Michaelk42 // Jun 3, 2009 at 2:08 PM
@Bill – Actually, I’m pretty sure the constable in the video above isn’t the one that did the actual tasering, just a spokesman/(dis)information officer.
Not that the actual tasering officer is likely to be any thinner, mind you.
29 jdogg92056 // Jun 3, 2009 at 2:10 PM
Cop (n.) – 1. A total pussy. 2. A useless parasite.
30 Johnny // Jun 3, 2009 at 2:12 PM
This is what my friend found for you guys:
Constable McCain’s Contact Info
Phone: (512) 854-2100
Fax: (512) 854-2116
31 Peter // Jun 3, 2009 at 2:12 PM
What kind of an unmanly pussy becomes violent with an elderly woman?
Someone needs to take Porkie behind the tool shed and give him the whupping of his life.
32 Johnny // Jun 3, 2009 at 2:15 PM
If a cop fears for his life from a 72 year old, maybe they shouldn’t be a cop. What happens when a child makes a mean face at him?? Here’s his info again. We should call him and ask if he has a fettish for using tazers on elderly women.
Constable McCain’s Contact Info.
Phone: (512) 854-2100
Fax: (512) 854-2116
33 Johnny // Jun 3, 2009 at 2:18 PM
To Keith Brown:
Taking those actions means you’re no better than the cop who did this. Not all cops behave this way just as not all civilians like yourself act this way. Your anger is justified but the situation can be handled a better way. The implications from this guys’ actions weigh far heavier than death.
34 CJ // Jun 3, 2009 at 2:32 PM
Do this: The next time you get solicitation from any police organization i.e state troopers, the local police, the FOP, etc. tell them that when the police stop carrying tasers that you’ll be happy to make a contribution to their cause, but until then your conscience has a problem supporting renegade cops with torture tools and a penchant to torture innocent people with them. That’s what I do now and I get a very sobering response from the caller. If enough citizens follow suite, then maybe these SOBs will get the message.
35 Dr. Truth // Jun 3, 2009 at 2:48 PM
The cop is lying.
He should be tazed by grandma as retrobution.
Then fired and sent to county jail.
36 Fro // Jun 3, 2009 at 3:53 PM
What a pussy! Perhaps someone needs to plug a cap in this POS.
37 Cruz // Jun 3, 2009 at 3:56 PM
People need a bill of rights to sue Bad Cops
for false arrests, medical bills, lost time etc…
Here in Arlington Tx they are bad about mistreating teenagers..
38 dave beard // Jun 3, 2009 at 5:10 PM
well, she broke the law and got tazed…. tough shit grandma
39 Levi Tarot // Jun 3, 2009 at 5:22 PM
I can see you are all outraged.
So I will make you feel justified with this video I posted on my website.
This is a glimpse into the future of what abusive cop bullies can expect.
Copy and paste this into your browser and see how brave these bullies are.
Enjoy my friends – Levi
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ws-mn3M23dc
40 Adam Selene // Jun 3, 2009 at 6:14 PM
The best part,
is that after the local department concludes it’s “investigation” into this incident they will find that Tazering Grandma is following “normal departmental procedure”, and there won’t be any grounds for the department to fire the bully.
Even if he killed her, the internal investigation conclusion would be “the officer followed normal departmental procedures”.
This stuff won’t change until police departments are no longer allowed to investigate themselves. Put a volunteer citizens investigation board on these Tazer incidents, and there would be a few more unemployed bullies around.
41 Ken // Jun 3, 2009 at 7:29 PM
I problem as I see it is that if the public in general do not feel that the actions of the police are justified,, law or no law then the police will not have the ability to do their job.
Yes it is very important to stop people that are speeding in a construction zone. All citizen are great full that someone is willing to police their highways.
So a ticket is one way of reducing people from speeding while in that zone.
Does the officer require a signature from the drive?
No because the officer saw no reason to arrest the driver when he scanned the drivers license on the computer.
So what was the real reason for the escalating events that led up to the arrest.
First I must ask what purpose was their in apprehending and detaining the driver.
Was the public in any danger leading up to the arrest.
No!
Was the officer at any time in danger of being assaulted.
No Likely.
So. did the officer taunt the driver into a reaction that would precipitate into a confrontation.
Has the public lost faith in the police.
Yes. Why is this.
Who is to blame for the poorly prepared meal,, the waiter or the cook.
The cop or the law.
ake your choice and then take action, it is up to you what action you take.
If that was my grand mother or my child or wife that was teasered over something as stupid as a ticket I Know I WOULD DO WHAT EVER WAS NEEDED TO PROTECT MY FAMILY FROM HARM!!!!!!!!!!
other then that the officer should go to the home of the 72 year old women , head down and gun in his holster and simple apologies for his sham full action.
It does not matter which side the law would favor in this event.
The good of the public was not served after the speeding ticket was issued
42 YaRight // Jun 3, 2009 at 7:43 PM
In High school we called these guy’s pussies, after graduation they are known as cops.
43 cops do lie // Jun 3, 2009 at 7:45 PM
That POS needs an asswhooping come around me MF and let me know you were the one that tasered an old woman I will kick the living sh*& out of you.You coward.If they don’t fire you then its rioting time .That was totally uncalled for in any manual you frakken coward.
44 professor // Jun 3, 2009 at 8:13 PM
The tide will eventually turn, just be patient. As the pain level to society increases corrections will have to be made. Rest assured that they are coming.
45 Braverman // Jun 3, 2009 at 8:16 PM
What a PUSSY!
OMG! Another pussy cop that can’t handle an old lady. He was “afraid”! Boo-hoo!
Waaaah! Whaaaah!
I guess he left his little balls back in his locker.
46 Jhoffa_ // Jun 3, 2009 at 8:38 PM
And they wonder why we are indifferent when one of them is killed in the course of collecting their benefits.. Er, the “line of duty” rather.
47 MK // Jun 3, 2009 at 8:44 PM
I cannot give the name of the town where I live because I would be beaten up yet again, but I want to affirm this lady’s story. I had a young officer twist my arms and jam cuffs on me so brutally that my arms and wrists still hurt several months after the fact. His reason? I wanted to phone my attorney. My crime? Allegedly not registering my car…except that nobody has produced the paperwork even after the “alleged” tickets were paid.
I am much older than the cop that arrested me. I have developed severe psychological problems due to a number of these kinds of abuses of power. What I want to know is who is going to “police” the police? They have been running rampant for decades now and, largely due to the illegal property forfeiture laws passed under Clinton and others, have begun to regard the local citizenry as their personal ATMs.
Anybody who doubts what I am writing needs to do a little googling of the property forfeiture laws and how they have been used. Wait until you discover that under the original statutes, the police did not even have to prove their case to keep property.
Also, google the story of the young Baptist preacher that was SEVERELY BEATEN by the Border Patrol because he declined to have them search his van for illegal aliens. The Border Patrol tazered the guy, broke his car window, beat the crap out of him and then searched his van for the illegal aliens which they never found.
We The People need to reassert our rights AND DEMAND AN END TO MARITIME LAW AND A RETURN TO CONSTITUTIONAL LAW.
48 jones // Jun 3, 2009 at 8:50 PM
I’ll wait for the dashcam to get the real story of what happened. It sounds like he didn’t shoot her with the darts. He may have been justified and he may not have been justified, hopefully the tape will show what happened.
49 greg // Jun 3, 2009 at 9:09 PM
Looks like the cops everywhere are using their taser instead of their . “Non-lethal” Tasers have klled people too many times. These sadistic toys need to be outlawed.
50 Jim // Jun 3, 2009 at 9:29 PM
I don’t know if you can arrest on a ticket refusal in Texas, but in New Mexico that is a officers only option if he continues to press the issue. He could write a warning ticket or verbally warn her, but then she would control the situation and that is not what officers are trained to let happen. I think common sense should of been used though. Perhaps contacting a supervisor and letting him make a decision. Officers all react different to verbal abuse, sounds like the officer lost it. I am second guessing the officer though. On the face of it he should go through a internal investigation and probably told to leave the force. Public opinion is in favor of this course of action and much more!
51 skateboardkid // Jun 3, 2009 at 9:35 PM
My dad was a policeman here in Texas, and you should of heard the stories he told. The police cause more trouble than the criminals. Furthermore they are asked if they would shot the citizens during riot control.
There are better ways for the cities to make money, and employment oppurtunities. You should here how these cops talk in police forums; amazing.
52 James // Jun 3, 2009 at 10:45 PM
With socialism comes oppressive force by the government. Obama is hiring more IRS auditors, wants a GPS in your car, it’s getting insane.
53 ME // Jun 3, 2009 at 10:50 PM
When are the american people going to take care of this police garbage, i am glad i dont live in that mad house in the United States, sorry for the real american people sorrounded by all kinds of criminals. But why are the americans hating the foreigners, their own people in the police are the criminals and thieves.
54 Mr Smith // Jun 3, 2009 at 11:15 PM
You can send comments to “Travis County Precinct 3″ at …
http://www.co.travis.tx.us/feedback/index.asp
I sent this message to the scum:
What kind of weak, cowardly pig would taser an elderly woman?
If he was unable to easily restrain her with his hands – give the cowardly dirty pig a well-deserved boot up his wimpy ass.
Tell him I said he is a weakling girlie-boy who is afraid of grannys.
55 Pinandpuller // Jun 4, 2009 at 12:16 AM
Someone mentioned the distinction between this guy, a constable, and other types of law enforcment.
Here in Tennessee, constables are elected and usually just go around serving papers. Supposedly COP comes from constable on patrol but I haven’t got confirmation from hot for words yet.
56 omallj // Jun 4, 2009 at 12:43 AM
This cop is a total weenie! Oh no! Big bad police officer has to tase an old granny! Maybe someone needs more police training? I hope she sues and wins.
57 Bill // Jun 4, 2009 at 12:53 AM
What a sissy cop… can’t take a few bad words from a citizen. And, who are these a–holes who let pigs with no brains loose on the streets with lethal weapons?
58 Kim // Jun 4, 2009 at 12:55 AM
Just wait until they try to take her guns.
59 John Smith // Jun 4, 2009 at 1:31 AM
Bully’s don’t have to earn respect when they can force it from you.
60 Jan Smit // Jun 4, 2009 at 4:19 AM
Have a nice day.
61 Miguel Grande // Jun 4, 2009 at 5:45 AM
I believe the police officers need to make a choice, they may carry a handgun or a taser, choose one. This will be their weapon of last resort, they will need to be more judicious in their use. If a police officer was getting beat up on the side of the road, I would stop and help him. If a cop was pinned down in a fire fight, I would pull over and assist him. If I saw a policeman tasering an old lady, I would stop and assist the old lady. The times are changing in this country, officers need to google oath-keepers, and find out the meaning of officer of the peace.
62 sons of liberty // Jun 4, 2009 at 6:52 AM
When are Americans gonna wake up & realize that they are living in a fascist state? We need to tar & feather assholes like that cop. Make an example of him!
63 tomanocu // Jun 4, 2009 at 10:52 AM
The only terrorists USers have met and will meet face 2 face in their lifetimes are those redneck , keystone cops armed with a bad attitude, a teaser gun, a club, and their guns.
Take that to the bank.
64 Trish // Jun 4, 2009 at 12:47 PM
What a pansy he cant deal with a 72 year old lady with words. This is the kind of moron who would taser a 3 year old because his “life is in danger”! What ever happened to speaking to people even if they curse, it does not call for an electric volt to the body.
Tasers should be pulled out only when in serious danger, like pulling out your gun. Not when some little old lady drops the F bomb!
They are extremely dangerous because you NEVER know when they can be lethal…. especially with the elerly.
I would sue him personally for putting my life in danger. His life is not more important than hers. END OF STORY
65 jones // Jun 4, 2009 at 3:52 PM
Miguel – If I saw a policeman tasering an old lady, I would stop and assist the old lady
So your saying under no set of circumstances is it proper for a cop to taser an old lady?
66 Jm Rivers // Jun 4, 2009 at 5:08 PM
Maybe there is something that we do not know. Maybe this lady was Superman´s GrandMa.
And a so big offense to an officer (not signing the ticket) has to be punished. All his buddies should be ashamed. Who will want to patrol with this officer who is scared of old grandmas.
67 Boi Boy // Jun 4, 2009 at 6:33 PM
@ John Smith
The problem with bullies is that they confuse fear with respect.
Respect is earned and is feeling of esteem for someone who has personal character, or special abilities.
Fear causes us acting in a way (Probably not sincerely) to avoid severe negative consequences, i.e. being tasered.
It seems to me that many of these incidents have officers that might be confusing respect and fear.
68 Bruce // Jun 4, 2009 at 10:51 PM
It appears the cops can make up whatever law they want. Maybe it is because the cops have such low IQ they think a Grandmother must be taser over a stupid ticket.
Needless to say this Dirt bag of grossly miguided cop should be fired, pull over on the way home taser himself.
69 annon // Jun 5, 2009 at 8:11 AM
@jones // Jun 4, 2009 at 3:52 PM
So your saying under no set of circumstances is it proper for a cop to taser an old lady?
That is exactly correct, I’m a small guy and 72 year old woman would never be a threat to me. For a cop your fucking bright, you can even read.
70 NYCPhotorights // Jun 5, 2009 at 9:52 AM
@ Jones
I consider tasering a senior citizen to be elder abuse. No ifs, ands or buts!
71 undrgrndgirl // Jun 5, 2009 at 1:13 PM
omg…scary 72 year old lady makes big cop with gun wet his pants…what a pussy. what does he do when he confronts real crime? oh, wait, he’s out tazing little old ladies so he doesn’t have to confront real crime…guess the pen is indeed mightier than the sword!
72 cos seven // Jun 5, 2009 at 3:32 PM
So we can see what were up against. This is perhaps why the feds want to integrate the police and military, cuz the nations elderly population is becoming a majority. Soon they will outnumber the police and start uncontrollable riots.
73 Mr. Smith // Jun 5, 2009 at 5:30 PM
Why are they hiding this brutal granny-molester from the public ???
Why is he afraid to show his face ?
Why are they hiding the video ?
We have a right to know his name and see the video.
He can’t hide behind the chief’s skirt forever !
Granny’s lawyers will make chopped pig liver out of this chump, and get the video’s released as well.
74 Anonymous // Jun 6, 2009 at 5:27 PM
In addition to violent Grandma’s the borderline?? retarded members of the pig forces have an affinity for tasering high schoolers who commit the mother of strong indicators of future juvenile delinquency—talking on their cell phone.
http://blog.simplejustice.us/2009/06/06/schools-have-rules-taser-edition.aspx#comment-2144654
However I happen to agree with one of the pro-taser commentators over here:
http://jonathanturley.org/2009/06/05/can-you-hear-me-now-police-officer-tasers-high-school-student-in-dispute-over-use-of-cellphone/
“Here lies the real problem. The lack of respect for authority, rules and the law (which make a civil society) being taught to our children by liberal educators within our public school system is churning out young adults that are narcissistic, self absorbed, selfish little brats that think the rules and laws are for everybody else and not for them.That their instant gratification comes first over everyone else’s rights.
These children are a disaster waiting to happen. (NO KIDDING) For example they will resent taking orders from superiors in the workplace stifling their advancement or causing them to be terminated. They also make prime candidates for entering the criminal justice system….”
AS COPS!!
75 A. Non // Jun 9, 2009 at 4:45 PM
The form mentioned upthread, http://www.co.travis.tx.us/feedback/index.asp, clearly says it is for comments about the county website, and that if you want to contact any department directly you should go a different route. Comments sent to that form probably go to the people who build the web pages, not to the constables office.
76 bj // Jun 9, 2009 at 7:00 PM
I just watched the local news and saw an edited version of the dash cam.
Link to myfoxhouston.com and the video http://tinyurl.com/m75lsf
77 jones // Jun 9, 2009 at 7:39 PM
Imagine that, the video shows everything that old bat had to say was a lie. I guess she didn’t know the incident was on video when she did that tv interview.
She was obviously the one who escalated the incident. The officer is a very large man, of course he could have arrested her using his size and strength instead of the taser but she probably would have been injured in the process. Fighting with somebody on the side of a busy highway could be very dangerous for him and her. Looks like the use of the taser was for her own safety as well as his. I’m glad I decided to wait for the tape.
78 Michaelk42 // Jun 9, 2009 at 7:42 PM
That was just fucking disgusting.
Aside from the sheer stupidity of yanking someone, anyone out of their car for not signing a stupid ticket (and yes, I’m saying it’s also a stupid thing to have the signing is required – it’s just a ticket.)
But for this sick thug to resort to a taser to subdue an elderly woman just because he’s too lazy to do it himself… No, I don’t care if he followed department policy. Department policy is wrong if it allows this.
79 Noor al Haqiqa // Jun 9, 2009 at 9:28 PM
Get used to it. Ever since the police went to the military model, things have changed. This is along the line of the 8 year old being charged with dispensing DRUGS at school because she gave her friend, who was coughing, a cough drop ~ that was from a local grocery shop!
No longer do you ask the nice policeman to get your kitty out of a tree or even ask directions. Chances are the cat will be tasered down as an enemy of the state and you will be jailed for some excuse or another. As for the directions, you will be searched and charged for .. oh… unlawful ignorance of map reading.
This site is a GREAT IDEA. I am putting a link to it on my blog.
80 Noor al Haqiqa // Jun 9, 2009 at 9:34 PM
Just watched the cops dashboard.
She lies through her teeth. She was being one nasty lil old lady I am sad to say. He did take the first strike at her and pushed her, but up until then he had been patient and she was rather nasty.
No excuse for tasering her… what on earth did they do BEFORE these cattle/chattel prods? She was unpleasant, but surely there were unpleasant old people arrested before this without benefit of tasers.
81 Michaelk42 // Jun 9, 2009 at 9:40 PM
That’s the point. Being unpleasant shouldn’t be a taser-able offense.
And the base problem is that the pretense for arrest is ridiculous to begin with. There’s no real point to signing the ticket other than bowing to commands for the sake of bowing to commands.
What’s wrong with simply issuing the ticket and then everyone driving away? There’s no good reason for any of this.
82 jones // Jun 9, 2009 at 11:21 PM
Like I said before, tasering somebody who is resisting arrest is done for the safety of the officer and the suspect. Regardless if you agree with the law, she refused to sign the ticket and if that is the law then it was a lawful arrest.
I’m sure if he tried to arrest her without the taser and she started fighting and fell down and broke her hip you would all be crying why didn’t he just tase here instead of fighting with her. If he went to grab her and she ran into the street and got smoked by a car you would all cry about that.
So many people in here complain about the police thinking they are above the law but seem to think this woman is above the lie because she is old. At what age do we become above the law? I’m getting up there, does that mean soon I can do whatever the hell I want.
Michael, I agree with you that that is a stupid law but we don’t just get to follow the laws we agree with.
83 jones // Jun 9, 2009 at 11:31 PM
I forgot to mention a thumbs up to Precinct 3 Sgt. Maj. Gary Griffin for not throwing his officer under the bus like the Dallas Chief recently did.
84 NYCPhotorights // Jun 10, 2009 at 1:01 AM
A Taser is nothing more than a legalized instrument of TORTURE.
85 Michaelk42 // Jun 10, 2009 at 1:10 AM
“Regardless if you agree with the law, she refused to sign the ticket and if that is the law then it was a lawful arrest. ”
Even if the arrest is lawful, the means were still unnecessary and barbaric. And you’re still missing the point. Lawful is not always moral or ethical.
If you really believe “lawful” is all it takes, you really are one of the worst kind of people there are, jones. Worse than a simple troll with delusions of grandeur. You’re one of the people we should fight and resist because we care about what’s right, not just about doing whatever the law says.
“I’m sure if he tried to arrest her without the taser and she started fighting and fell down and broke her hip you would all be crying why didn’t he just tase here instead of fighting with her. If he went to grab her and she ran into the street and got smoked by a car you would all cry about that.”
That’s a quite a crystal ball you have. The question would still be why someone was being arrested for something so stupid. And you’ll also notice that she DID fall down, even using the taser. She just didn’t happen to break her hip.
“Michael, I agree with you that that is a stupid law but we don’t just get to follow the laws we agree with.”
But we sure as hell get to question them. And an officer going to those absurd lengths just to follow them comes close enough to “just following orders” that we all lose even more respect for them. Being technically right isn’t always worth it.
86 NYCPhotorights // Jun 10, 2009 at 6:23 AM
@Jones
Forcing someone to sign a document under duress is illegal – she had the legal right not to sign it. As a matter of personal policy I refuse to sign any legal documents unless my attorney reviews them first.
Fortunately in New York I have not had to face that issue with traffic citations – there is no requirement or pressure to sign the tickets.
87 jones // Jun 10, 2009 at 7:54 AM
NYC – Fortunately in New York I have not had to face that issue with traffic citations – there is no requirement or pressure to sign the tickets.
But there is a requirement in Texas, which is where this happened. If your ever driving through Texas and your lawyer is not sitting next to you then you better watch your speed because if you don’t sign you will get arrested to.
88 cjpratchard // Jun 10, 2009 at 9:15 AM
Terrible, terrible, the cop should be tarred and feather and run out of town on a rail!!!!!
89 Roberta // Jun 10, 2009 at 10:31 AM
I don’t care how old she is she still needs to respect the law, she was antagonistic, rude and combative, he pushed her first out of the line of traffic. I don’t think she would have responded positively if he “politely” ask her to step back. If she feels she was wronged by the ticket, sign the darn thing and take it to court. What kind of example is she showing her great-grandchildren. If at 72 she has a license she also has a responslibility to respect the rules of the road. I am 66 and I would have taken a different road to settle this. OUr police officers put their lives on the lline for us daily and a bully is not his name, she on the other hand as a citizen of the US and should show more respect for her country’s law. What if it was your family member that was injured while she was speeeding, then we would ask where were the pokice?
90 Michaelk42 // Jun 10, 2009 at 1:10 PM
J.D. Tucille says it best, I think:
http://www.examiner.com/x-536-Civil-Liberties-Examiner~y2009m6d10-Dashcam-video-shows-officer-Tasering-72yearold-woman
“But the idea that police officers are entitled to automatic deference is the sort of mindset you might expect in North Korea — not in a free society. Police officers are just regular people with a job; they’re no more entitled to expect immediate obedience in all circumstances than are dentists or house painters.
“As for the requirement that a ticket be signed … If that leads to the use of force because somebody didn’t set pen to paper, it’s time to exercise some discretion. Part of becoming an adult is learning that good sense and morality take precedence over rigid rules. Instead of insisting on arresting an old lady over a signature, you walk away and let the courts handle the ticket. That makes more sense than escalating to violence. People who don’t or can’t act see that judgment is more important than a procedural rule are morally immature.
“Maybe that’s the explanation. In the video, Bieze conducts himself like a teenage bully who can’t believe that somebody would dare to defy him.
“As for the defense of his actions by Travis County officials … Well, that speaks for itself. People who defend and even celebrate the brutal abuse of their fellow human beings because they do not “respect mah authoritah” reveal themselves for what they are. (Just back away from them, slowly.)”
91 goddessoflubbock // Jun 14, 2009 at 10:04 AM
Nothing the cops in Texas do/get away with surprises me anymore.
I am a handicapped woman with barely the strength to stand and walk 10 feet. When I called the police several years ago because I’d been assaulted by a neighbor – a strapping, muscular guy – I was arrested after he had his friends lie for him and say I assaulted him!!
The worst was yet to come – I’m on many medications including insulin, but was denied all medical care/medication while awaiting release.
My case was eventually thrown out, but not before I developed PTSD and it will be a cold day in hell before I ever call a cop for anything.
Oh, and Texans as a general rule seem to hate cursing – it really upsets them.
92 NYCPhotorights // Jun 14, 2009 at 10:10 AM
This is not the first account I have heard of people being denied medication while being detained. Are cops trying to kill disabled/sick people by doing this?
93 Mr, Smith // Jun 15, 2009 at 2:05 AM
Thanks for the video link.
The sadistic cop should be fired immediately, and arrested for using excessive force.
There is no excuse for his cowardice.
The lady even agreed to sign the ticket several times before she was manhandled and tasered.
94 Molly // Aug 21, 2009 at 10:16 PM
OMFG A COP SCARED OF A 72 YR OLD WOMEN I MEAN SERIOUSLY WTH IS A OLD WOMEN GONNA DO TO KILL YA BESIDES SHOOT U! OMG THATS JUST WACKED UP MAN WACKED UP!
95 Molly // Aug 21, 2009 at 10:50 PM
Also U PPL LEAVE THE BORINGIST COMMENTS IN THE WORLD
no offence though! ;}
96 Carlos Miller // Aug 21, 2009 at 11:05 PM
Molly,
Just because you capitalize every letter doesn’t necessarily make your comments the height of excitement.
97 DK // Nov 20, 2009 at 9:03 PM
WAS THE POLICE OFFICER OUT OF LINE…..MAYBE……MAYBE NOT…….I SAW THE VIDEO. HOW MANY ELDERLY PEOPLE HAVE LOST THEIR TEMPERS AND DID SOMETHING SO IRRATIONAL THAT THEY TOOK SOMEONES LIFE. THIS IS TEXAS MY GRANDMOTHER CARRIES A GLOCK WITH HER EVERYWHERE SHE GOES. IM NOT TRYING TO IMPLY SOMETHING BUT IF HE DID NOTHING SOMETHING BAD COULD OF HAPPENED. AND THERE ARE NO SECOND CHANCES IN LIFE. AND HONESTLY NO ONE NOT EVEN ELDERLY PEOPLE ARE ABOVE THE LAW. HE MAY NOT BE ABOVE THE LAW BUT HE IS THE LAW. HE HAS EVERY RIGHT TO ENFORCE IT AS HE SEES FIT. AND I DONT CARE WHAT ANYONE THINKS BUT IF MY GRANDMOTHER OR YOUR GRANDMOTHER DID THAT I WOULD NOT EXPECT ANY LESS FROM THIS OFFICER. OHH AND FOR THE RECORD I AM NOT A PEACE OFFICER OR EVEN EMPLOYED BY A DEPT. I AM A AVERAGE JOE .
98 Michaelk42 // Nov 20, 2009 at 9:51 PM
That…
That has to be the most comically transparent troll I’ve seen this year!
XD
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